“Three Commandments” based on Buddhism  

I have read with interest N.K. Sharma’s strong reaction (DV, June 16, 1991 p.21) to Dr. D.R. Jatav’s letter to ‘M.L. Dohray (DV, May 1, 1991 p.11) on Babasaheb’s “Three Commandments”.  I am also an Ambedkarite. My published works include Buddhism and Ambedkar (1968), Gandhi and Ambedkar (1969), Dr. Ambedkar and Indian Constitution (1973), Dr. Ambedkar on Buddhism (1982), and the Legacy of Dr. Ambedkar (1990). In all my writings I have adopted the sequence of “Three Commandments” as given by Keer. In my view, the trio-slogan of action “Educate, Agitate and Organize” as given by Keer is correct, and it is in accord with the philosophy of Babasaheb who was a man of action. Babasaheb derived his trioslogan of action from the Triple-Gem of Buddhism — Badham, Dammam and Sangham, the Buddha being the symbol of wisdom, education, the Dhamma symbol of struggle, agitation, and the Sangha — symbol of unity, organization. Seen in this light, the sequence, Education, Agitation and Organization, appears to be more meaningful. Moreover, Keer’s biography was published during the life time of Babasaheb who was interviewed by the author a number of times to seek clarifications on doubtful matters before writing this book. Hence, this sequence of Three Commandments can be said to have Babasaheb’s tacit approval. As regards Keer’s biography of Babasaheb, I agree with Sharma that Ambedkarite ought to be thankful to Keer for producing such a wonderful biography which still remains unsurpassed. There may be some minor shortcomings in it but it is trustworthy by and large. To denigrate Keer in the name ‘of caste is rather uncharitable.